Chapter 214 – New Year’s Eve

Chapter 214 - New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve of 2022, Tang Fei received invitations from six first-tier satellite TV stations and four major video streaming platforms to grace their respective events.

She declined them all.

When it came to offending people, if you offended everyone, it seemed as though you hadn't offended anyone at all.

By not showing favoritism, the program directors and chief directors of the television stations and video websites compared notes, thinking, "Alright, I didn't get Tang Fei, neither did you."

As the New Year's Eve gala was broadcast, light snow fell outside while the temperature hovered around minus eight or nine degrees Celsius. In the squares of the capital city where the tallest buildings were concentrated, a New Year's light show attracted a large crowd. Everyone huddled together, exhaling white steam as they wrapped themselves in layers to watch the festivities.

Tang Fei wore a hat and a scarf that covered her face, with adorable rabbit ear warmers on her ears. Zhou Weichuan held her hands in his pockets, and they squeezed through the throngs. Amidst the darkness of the square, festive music played through the surrounding speakers, while the lights on the high-rise buildings flickered in time with the music, displaying couplets and images of auspicious dolls.

With surround sound and a 3D light display, many children excitedly shouted to their parents, pointing out the images—"There it is! And there too! Oh, there's a dragon flying on the building!"

Tang Fei hadn't had this much fun in a long time. She felt that the normal life of her past life was slipping further away from her, and the college student Tang Fei was no longer who she was.

Today, Zhou Weichuan had called her out, and they found themselves squeezed among the crowd. Amidst the darkness, he embraced her as they watched the towering skyscrapers pierce through the clouds and snowflakes, shimmering with red, blue, yellow, and green lights. Following the rhythm of the music, dragons soared through the clouds, carp leaped over the dragon gate, and images of Fu Lu Shou and happiness emerged to celebrate the New Year.

The New Year countdown began from ten, all the way down to 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Tang Fei and Zhou Weichuan jumped up excitedly, shouting along with the crowd. Then, they witnessed a magnificent display of fireworks lighting up the skyscrapers.

"Happy New Year, Tang Fei."

Zhou Weichuan's forehead touched hers. Amidst the cacophony, his deep four-word greeting pierced through all the noise, directly resonating in her heart.

"For every New Year's Eve from now on, I want to be with you."

Zhou Weichuan's eyes sparkled, making Tang Fei feel inexplicably that he might suddenly kneel down, pull out a ring, and propose in the next moment.

Amidst the flickering red and yellow lights, the New Year's light show was drawing to a close. The crowd started dispersing. Tang Fei and Zhou Weichuan remained closely entwined, as if the illuminated space had been left solely for them.

"If you want, you can ask me out every year."

"You know what I mean, don't pretend ignorance," Zhou Weichuan frowned, tightening his grip on Tang Fei's hand. "No dodging, I want a straightforward answer from you."

"Why should I give a straightforward answer when you haven't asked me straightforwardly? That's unfair, so I won't answer," Tang Fei wriggled free from Zhou Weichuan's grasp and started running towards the parking lot.

Zhou Weichuan chased after Tang Fei, then pounced on her from behind, reuniting their embrace.

Zhou Weichuan blew air against Tang Fei's neck. "You have to give me a ticket to the Mercury City premiere, right?"

"Tang Fei, you're the CEO of Nine O'Clock. Do I really need to pull strings for a single ticket?" She poked him in the chest with her finger.

"How can tickets from others compare to one from you? I want your 'connection' ticket, so I can sit upfront and see you up close."

Zhou Weichuan was being a bit childish today, even throwing in some coquettishness.

Tang Fei gave in with a sigh. "Fine, I'll give in. I'll get the ticket for you tomorrow. Now let go, it's freezing out here and you're making me warm."

"You're the one with a warm heart, don't blame me for that."

"I'll hit you for being a smart aleck!" Tang Fei playfully punched Zhou Weichuan.

Zhou Weichuan laughed heartily.

The two walked away hand in hand, leaving behind a trail of red light with the Chinese character for 'congratulations' glowing in the background, the 'Xi' character standing out the most.

In their car, He Zhou and Zheng Haisheng, the two singletons, watched couple after couple getting into their cars to leave. One munched on bread while the other popped sunflower seeds, both feeling rather bored.

While Zheng Haisheng was still updating his mental handbook on romance, He Zhou was gossiping with Tang Jiao about Tang Fei and Zhou Weichuan. Today, Zhou Weichuan had once again asked Sister out on a date.

Playing it romantic, going on dates – this year, he seemed bolder than ever, completely unconcerned about reporters, media, or fans. Wasn't he afraid of being caught on camera? Wouldn't his fans be in an uproar?

But Tang Jiao stood up for Zhou Weichuan: "This is exactly how you know he's serious. If the fans find out, so be it. Hiding from them wouldn't do any good. When Sister was dumped, no one came to her defense.

If they announce their relationship, it won't be Sister who suffers. Just look at all the male classmates who'd be ready to wield knives and slaughter every 'scumbag' if a rumor about her started.

If Brother-in-Law really comes out, he'll definitely be under scrutiny. That would be much stricter than just having Brother He keep an eye on him."

"Uncle and Auntie are right. You've fallen under Zhou Weichuan's spell. Did he buy you textbooks, workbooks, and tutoring sessions with famous teachers? He has ulterior motives, trying to win you over."

"He arranged a job for you, bought the best fishing gear for Dad, and Mom's favorite tea."

"We're all steadfast and unyielding, but you, little missy, have betrayed us."

"Why don't you guys like him? I think he's handsome, successful, and treats my sister well. He's also good to us. What's wrong with him being a brother-in-law?"

He Zhou smirked: "Of course, your sister deserves someone even better."

Tang Jiao rested her cheek on her hand, could this be how parents viewed their own daughter? He Zhou had been protecting his sister since childhood, and after so many years, he was likely sensitive to anyone who approached her with ill intentions.

"I'll continue studying for my exams, Brother He Zhou. Dad, Mom, and I will be in the capital on the 29th, don't forget to save us tickets for the premiere. It's my first time attending a film premiere."

Tang Jiao bit her pen, her sister's movie premiere must be amazing. Her classmates, after watching the trailer, all said they would support Mercury City.

This year's Spring Festival fell at the end of January. Tang Fei's film didn't have an advance screening, causing some critics to make snide remarks. They claimed that the lack of preview indicated insecurity, that the filmmakers were afraid of letting word-of-mouth spread, suggesting potential issues with the final product.

In the trailer, the grand underwater city, the humble land on water, the miraculous process of land reclamation, Tang Fei lying on the surface, her legs swaying, illuminated by starlight, while three satellites the size of moons shone brightly, keeping Mercury City aglow even at night, casting a clear light on Tang Fei's sleeping face.

The sci-fi theme, exploring societal oppression, also garnered positive reviews.

Mercury City's premiere sparked much debate. It was Chen Ye's first time working with newcomer Tang Fei, paired with seasoned Best Actor Sheng Xiaogong. No one knew what kind of chemistry this combination would bring to the film.

Tang Fei's fans, after a barrage of leading roles in TV dramas and producing projects, were now eagerly anticipating a major commercial film directed by a renowned director. Fans barely had time to catch their breath in between, but with so many works, the Sugar Melts (Tang Fei's fanbase) had plenty to feast on for the year.

Whether the main star appeared or not didn't matter much; the key was a continuous stream of projects. Celebrities, after all, remained distant figures to the audience, whereas the characters they portrayed were the way to truly win people's hearts.